State offers help for those who want to quit smoking

CONCORD (AP) — New Hampshire health officials are offering free nicotine patches to residents who want to quit smoking or chewing tobacco in the new year.

The patch is being offered in connection with a media campaign, "Dear Me New Hampshire," featuring real New Hampshire residents who are trying to quit.

To qualify for the free patches, residents must be at least 18, be willing to participate in free telephone counseling, and be screened for safe use of the patch.

Those interested in participating can go online to www.TryToStopNH.org or call (800) QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669).

State Health Department officials say many people who want to quit succeed. There are more former smokers in New Hampshire — almost 32 percent of adults — than current smokers.

"Quitting with both counseling and nicotine replacement therapy will increase the odds of a successful quit," said Dr. Jose Montero, the state's director of public health. "Encouraging people to think about the reasons they have for quitting tobacco is a positive motivational force to get them to attempt to quit."